Heads Up on House Bill 2827 – Survey Results
Thank you for participating in our survey on House Bill 2827 last week. This bill proposes increased regulations on homeschooling, which supporters say ensure accountability, but opponents argue create unnecessary burdens.
We received 291 responses, with 77.1% opposing the bill. Senator Balkema stands with you and remains firmly opposed to HB2827. While the bill is still in the House, he will continue to defend educational freedom if it reaches the Senate. We appreciate your input and engagement!
Fuzzy Math and Record Spending: Gov. Pritzker’s Budget Plan Draws Fire
Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday drew mixed reactions, even from usual supporters, while Senate Republicans condemned the record $55.4 billion spending plan—the largest in state history—as unrealistic and burdensome for taxpayers. If passed, it would mark a 37% increase in annual state spending since he took office, far outpacing the growth of the average family’s income.
Adding to the skepticism, just weeks earlier, the Governor’s budget office projected a $3.2 billion deficit. Gov. Pritzker now claims his office has “found” more than $2 billion in additional revenue. With no official economic report to support the claim, critics labeled it “fuzzy math,” calling for transparency instead of political games.
The budget also includes tax hikes on businesses, costs that would inevitably hit consumers. Compounding concerns, Democrats have revived a progressive tax plan that would make future income tax increases even easier—especially if revenue projections fall short. Republicans argue that Gov. Pritzker’s refusal to rein in spending shouldn’t come at the expense of hardworking Illinoisans.
For years, Senate Republicans have urged Gov. Pritzker to stop spending over $1 billion annually on free healthcare and other programs for noncitizens and prioritize struggling Illinois families. While his proposal to cut $400 million from the program is a step in the right direction, many remain skeptical. Republicans say they’ll believe it when they see it and will continue holding him accountable because Illinoisans deserve leaders who put their needs first—not empty promises.
Economic concerns remain front and center. Since Gov. Pritzker took office in 2019, Illinois has lost nearly 60,000 jobs and now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation. In 2024 alone, the state saw a 25% spike in manufacturing layoffs, with over 13,000 layoff notices issued. Critics argue these numbers highlight why more government spending isn’t the solution.
Noticeably absent from the Governor’s speech was any mention of property tax relief. With Illinois families facing some of the highest property taxes in the nation, Senator Balkema expressed disappointment, saying Gov. Pritzker seems more focused on expanding government than addressing residents’ most pressing concerns. Many also criticized the speech’s tone, describing it as more of a campaign pitch aimed at national attention than a serious plan to tackle Illinois’ challenges.
Illinois Seniors Can Save Big – Apply for Property Tax Deferral Today!
The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program offers qualified seniors the opportunity to defer property taxes on their primary residences, helping to reduce financial stress and provide peace of mind. Seniors in Illinois may qualify for up to $7,500 in property tax deferral, and applications are now open.
Seniors who need assistance with property taxes should apply by March 1st at their local County Collector’s Office. This program allows taxpayers who qualify to defer a maximum of $7,500 per tax year, which can cover both the first and second installment payments of property taxes. Deferred amounts are borrowed from the state, which will pay the tax bill directly to the county collector’s office. For more information, seniors should contact their local County Collector’s Office directly.
Last Chance: Apply Now for Illinois Fire Station Construction Grants!
The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the new Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program. The program offers grants of up to $350,000 for fire stations across the state to aid in the construction or rehabilitation of their facilities. A total of $5 million is available to support fire departments.
Applications must be electronically submitted or postmarked by Friday, February 28, 2025.
To qualify, fire departments must have an active registration with SAM.gov and be registered with the state’s Grantee Portal. Additionally, applicants must be NFIRS compliant for at least the last two years, covering incidents reported from December 2022 to November 2024. For more information about the grant program and to apply, visit sfm.illinois.gov/iam/firedepartment/grants-and-loans.html.